hi ya'll! Been a while huh? Kinda funny, but this situation is pretty much why I haven't had time to play on here.
My boyfriend and I started living together a few months ago. Not a conscious decision, we were just together all the time, and didn't really want to be apart, further, I just can't justify having two places just to say we each have our own area. Monitarily it's just crazy. At least for us. But long story short, it's worked out great for us. And we're talking about getting engaged in the (near) future. I think it really helps to live with someone for at least a little bit because let's face it, marriage is putting up with someone daily, dealing with bills and finances, and working through little situations EVERYDAY. It's not like dating where you can run off and pout for a while and then come to an understanding later. And if you can't live with this person on a day to day basis and still love them for who they are, then maybe things wouldn't work out after you're married.
Now, I'm not saying that living together is the right decision for everyone, but if you feel like you're gonna marry this person, then I don't feel like it would hurt to make sure you're on the same wavelength regarding day to day living. And if you have your place and he has his, you're probably going to be together all the time anyway, so why not consolidate and not waste money, and make sure your relationship will work while you're smushed together in an apartment.
Though I do recommend having an extra room of your own and DEFINITELY your own bathroom. I have a room with all my clothes and "getting ready stuff" in it and my own bathroom, which really works out great. Plus, I can keep it as messy or clean as I like and it's still mine. So while we're living together, we each have our own little areas.
And lemme just close with I'm probably the LAST person who would ever dream of myself writing all this about the wonders of living together. I always said firmly that I wouldn't live with someone till I got married, but somehow, this situation came together and it's worked out great for me. Though it's MY place and if things ever do get nasty, then I know I have somewhere to live. Make sure you have separate leases or that it's your name on there. Gives you a little extra comfort incase we don't make the BEST decision at a young age. We learn from experience...
Tara
and ps. it's great to be back
I have a Phi Mu castle...